There’s a magic to the countdown when college football fans can almost hear the drums, the chants, and the buzz of a stadium swelling with pride. For Ohio State fans, the 50-day countdown until kickoff is more than a march to football; it’s a celebration of tradition, ambition, and relentless pursuit of excellence. In Columbus, anticipation doesn’t build — it explodes. Every single day leading up to the opening snap offers something to talk about, admire, debate, or cherish. So, in the spirit of Buckeye Nation, let’s walk through 50 things to look forward to this season — one for each day of the wait — as we prepare for what might be one of the most anticipated Ohio State football campaigns in recent memory.
Let’s start with the coaching staff. Ryan Day returns to the helm with more pressure than ever before. After three straight losses to Michigan, his legacy is being challenged by critics who forget his overall brilliance. But this year, there’s a steely edge to his leadership. He’s no longer trying to emulate Urban Meyer; he’s carving out his own footprint with decisions that reflect both urgency and confidence. A major example is his bold move to hand the play-calling duties to new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Day is betting big that his longtime mentor can unlock another level of explosiveness in the Buckeyes’ offense. The Kelly-Day reunion has strategists and fans salivating over the possibilities, especially with the tools they have at their disposal.
Then there’s the quarterback battle. Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer, arrives with experience, but he’s not guaranteed the job. Devin Brown is athletic and promising, while true freshman Julian Sayin, a highly touted Alabama flip, might just surprise everyone. The quarterback room is loaded with talent, and each brings a different flavor to the position. Watching how that battle unfolds during fall camp and into the early season will be one of the most intriguing subplots of the year.
But what is a quarterback without his receivers? Fortunately, Ohio State may boast the most lethal wide receiver corps in the country. Emeka Egbuka is back, healthy, and ready to prove he belongs in the same tier as Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Carnell Tate, now in his sophomore year, has the look of a future All-American. Jeremiah Smith, the top wide receiver recruit in the country and one of the most hyped incoming freshmen in recent memory, might be the most gifted receiver the Buckeyes have ever landed. That’s saying something, considering the legacy left behind by names like Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The depth goes further with Brandon Inniss and Kojo Antwi providing threats all over the field.
The offensive line is an area that needed serious improvement after a shaky 2023 showing. With new transfers, position changes, and returning talent, it’s under intense scrutiny. One of the most critical stories to follow will be how the revamped offensive line holds up against top-tier defensive fronts, especially with Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon on the schedule. Offensive line coach Justin Frye is under pressure to deliver more physicality and consistency. If the line gels early, this offense could be historically good.
Defensively, the Buckeyes have the makings of a dominant unit. Jim Knowles’ third year as defensive coordinator is when the scheme should finally click on all levels. The secondary, a sore spot in recent years, is arguably the most talented since the 2019 unit led by Jeff Okudah. Denzel Burke returns as a true lockdown corner. Opposite him, Davison Igbinosun is poised to have a breakout year. Jordan Hancock will play a hybrid nickel role and is a Swiss Army knife in coverage. And perhaps the biggest addition is safety Caleb Downs, the Alabama transfer who was one of the best freshmen in the country last season. Downs might be the best defensive back on the field every Saturday. His instincts, tackling ability, and football IQ are unmatched for his age.
Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg is gone, but his leadership and example remain the blueprint. Cody Simon and CJ Hicks are ready to step up. Hicks, in particular, is an athletic marvel who could have a Jack Sawyer-type breakout if Knowles lets him roam. The linebacker unit is fast, intelligent, and filled with upside.
And the defensive line — let’s just say it’s time. JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are entering their final college campaigns and both are looking to silence critics. They’ve flashed greatness, but this is the year consistency must arrive. Hero Kanu and Mike Hall Jr. will anchor the interior, and their success against the run will define how much control the defense can maintain. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson, the architect behind Bosa brothers and Chase Young, is seeking one more masterpiece. He might just get it.
Special teams play often goes underappreciated, but this season, it could be a hidden weapon. Ohio State brought in a reliable kicker in USC transfer Parker Lewis. In close games — and there will be a few — Lewis’ leg could be the difference between a playoff berth and disappointment. The punting game, with Jesse Mirco returning, will continue to provide field-position advantages.
Then there’s the schedule. This isn’t a light stroll through the Big Ten. The Buckeyes travel to Eugene to face Oregon, now a Big Ten foe. That game will be circled by every analyst and playoff predictor in the country. Add in road trips to Penn State and Michigan — the two hardest venues in the conference — and this may be the most brutal away slate Ohio State has ever faced. But if you’re looking for battles that forge champions, this schedule is it.
Home games against Iowa and Nebraska will be physical, old-school slugfests. Luke Fickell brings Wisconsin into the Horseshoe in a matchup loaded with emotion and history. And opening weekend against Akron gives fans their first full glimpse of the new-look Buckeyes in what will feel more like a dress rehearsal with national attention.
Recruits will also play a big part in the story. The 2025 class is shaping up to be elite again, with multiple five-stars already committed and more on the way. Watching Ryan Day and his staff try to close on top talent in the NIL era, while maintaining program standards, will be an important subplot this fall.
NIL developments will also take center stage. The Buckeyes are now more organized in their NIL approach and look to position themselves as leaders in supporting athletes through collectives like The Foundation. This will impact not just recruiting, but retention of key players who might otherwise consider transferring.
Speaking of the transfer portal, this year more than ever, the Buckeyes have embraced its possibilities. Players like Will Howard and Caleb Downs weren’t just luxury additions — they were targeted needs. The portal is now a tool, not a gamble, and Ohio State has shown it can win there.
Game-day experiences will continue to evolve. From enhanced tailgating options to updated stadium amenities, being at the Shoe on a Saturday is about more than just football. It’s a Buckeye tradition and one that thousands of alumni and families wait for all year long. The Scarlet and Gray pageantry, the band’s dotting of the “i,” Script Ohio, and the sheer sound of 105,000 fans uniting in chant is unmatched.
Young players emerging is another storyline. There’s always a surprise contributor, a guy fans don’t know now who ends up being vital. Maybe it’s tight end Jelani Thurman breaking out. Maybe it’s a new defensive end rotating in and recording multiple sacks. Or a freshman cornerback stepping up in a big game. Fall camp will tell us more, but development remains central to Ohio State’s success.
One of the most compelling arcs will be the rivalry with Michigan. This year’s clash in Ann Arbor may be the most important game of Ryan Day’s career. After three straight losses, the perception of the rivalry has changed. But make no mistake — Ohio State’s locker room is laser-focused on restoring order. The countdown to that November Saturday will fuel every rep in practice and every lift in the gym. There is no bigger goal for this team than to beat Michigan.
Then there’s the College Football Playoff. With the new 12-team format, the path to the championship looks different. But for Ohio State, anything short of a Big Ten title and playoff contention would be a letdown. This team is built to win now. The combination of veteran leadership and young explosiveness is rare. The program hasn’t won a national title since 2014. There’s hunger in the locker room, and every fan knows it.
Beyond the field, Buckeye fans can look forward to stories of resilience, brotherhood, and redemption. Players who’ve overcome injuries. Coaches who’ve mentored young men through adversity. Teammates who push each other to become not just better athletes, but better people. That’s part of the culture that’s been cultivated in Columbus. It’s what separates Ohio State from so many other programs.
Another underappreciated layer is how much NFL talent this team will produce. Scouts are watching closely. Egbuka, Tuimoloau, Burke, Sawyer, Hall, and Simon are all on radar. This is not just a college team — it’s a future NFL showcase. And fans can enjoy watching players before they become household names on Sundays.
Fans can also look forward to the community. The unity of Buckeye Nation across Ohio and the country is something few schools replicate. Whether it’s watching parties in Cleveland, alumni tailgates in California, or bars erupting in Brooklyn, Ohio State fandom travels and thrives. It’s more than a team — it’s a shared identity.
As the days count down, every moment grows louder. From practice reports and press conferences to fan speculation and recruiting visits, the excitement builds. And when that opening kickoff finally comes, Buckeye Nation will be ready. Ready to cheer. Ready to believe. Ready to watch history unfold.
Fifty days may feel long, but with 50 things to look forward to, every single one offers a reason to celebrate. Because at Ohio State, football isn’t just a season — it’s a way of life.
